Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, H.E. Mr. Tadamori Oshima

The Secretary-General today met the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, H.E. Mr. Tadamori Oshima.

The Secretary-General thanked Japan for its contribution to all areas of the work of the United Nations, starting this year with the hosting of the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai.

The Secretary-General highlighted the priority areas for this year, including reaching a meaningful and binding agreement on climate change and adopting a new sustainable development agenda.

He emphasised the important legislative and oversight role of national parliaments, including the passing of relevant legislation to implement key international agreements. They also discussed priority issues common to Japan and the United Nations, such as disarmament and the post-2015 development agenda.